O’Donnell receives injury boost as knee damage isn’t as bad as first feared

Dundalk’s Stephen O’Donnell

Dundalk FC captain Stephen O’Donnell has received a major boost in his battle to return to fitness after surgery yesterday revealed that his cruciate knee ligament injury was not as bad as first feared.

After being carried off in the 2-2 draw with Shamrock Rovers on Good Friday, there were fears that the 28-year-old might not play again after initial reports suggested he had ruptured both his anterior and posterior ligaments.

However, surgery in Santry yesterday went well and revealed that he hadn’t ruptured the anterior ligaments (ACL).

Tweeting about the matter this morning, O’Donnell said: “Didn’t do my acl after all damage to the knee but not as bad as first feared!buzzin,surgery went well.”

Meanwhile, tickets went on sale from Oriel Park this morning for the club’s Setanta Cup final clash against Sligo Rovers in Tallaght Stadium on Saturday May 10^th.

Tallaght Stadium to host Setanta Cup final between Dundalk and Sligo Rovers

Tallaght Stadium

Tallaght Stadium has been confirmed as the venue for this year’s Setanta Sports Cup final on Saturday May 10^th.

Dundalk and Sligo Rovers will face off on the day, with both clubs hoping to win the competition for the first time in their respective histories.

Stephen Kenny’s side booked their place in the final with a 3-1 aggregate victory over Shamrock Rovers in the semi-final. Two Richie Towell penalties helped them to a 2-1 win in Tallaght before Chris Shields struck to secure a 1-0 win in the second leg on Tuesday.

Sligo, who have serious cup pedigree in recent years, booked their place in the final with an emphatic 7-1 aggregate victory over last year’s league winners St Patrick’s Athletic.

There had been speculation that the final could be played in The Showgrounds in Sligo or at a neutral venue such as Athlone or Longford but Tallaght will suit Dundalk as it means they have less of a journey.

Tallaght was also the venue when the club lost the 2011 decider 2-0 to Shamrock Rovers, although the Lilywhites were angered at that time that they had to play at a venue that was not neutral.

Kick-off for the final will be 4pm. For the final Dundalk FC have been allocated the East Stand. Tickets will be €15 for adults, €10 for OAPS, unwaged and students and €5 for U14s.